Here’s what makes a great modern GC

When I joined Tines as GC and first legal hire in 2021, I realised quickly that outdated methods of delivering legal services wouldn’t cut it at a high growth tech scale up. In fact, looking back, my 8 round interview process (yes - 8 rounds!!) was probably designed to ensure that I was up to the task of enabling business through creative new ways of providing legal support.

During my time there, I built a lean, fast, modern, well-liked legal function that - yes - balanced all that with managing risk.

Through community building and sharing content, I built an enormous global network of modern GCs who helped me learn fast and generally keep me relevant so I don’t get stuck in the past.

I’m lucky enough to know a lot of them - across industries, time zones, and continents.

I’ve noticed that the really great ones share some unmistakable traits, so I pulled together a comparison of old-fashioned vs modern GCs.

We have massively moved on from the traditional profile of a GC who was mostly hired to manage risk.

Today, mindset, visibility, and how you show up across the business are what you’re hired for.

Modern GCs lead with clarity, unlock value, and actually make things easier for the business.

They’re trusted, collaborative, and open to change - even when that means rethinking how legal works.

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